Wednesday, April 29, 2009

I often make calls to people I've never met, its part of my job. Often, they do not know who I am either. I can usually hear some suspicion in their voice when I'm talking on the phone with them to set up a time to visit. Its expected. Before they even ask why I want to visit, I tell them that there is no agenda except to get to know them, visit with them and pray for them. That usually loosens suspicion.

Its ironic really. I mean I say I have no agenda, but I do, its just that the agenda is clear and it involves building a relationship. I think that's what matters in ministry, forming relationships. I enjoy listening to people's stories and being in the moment and people seem to appreciate that. One thing I think I'm good at is being authentic. I've found that the most important component of loosening suspicion is just being yourself. It sounds cheesy, but sometimes cheesy is true.

So when I honestly tell the person I'm visiting that I just want to get to know them and pray for them, whether they hear that as an agenda or not doesn't matter, what does matter is that they hear that I am genuinely interested in their lives.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

There are so many theological, biblical, political, economic, social and personal issues that I would love to research, explore, study and process that I often don't do anything because its too hard to decide.

I think that's why I will start a book and not finish it.

So, I find myself wrestling with what I should study. Sometimes I just pick something, but at other times I pick nothing because I don't know where to start.

Anyway, it helps to set goals. I set a goal this year to read some books on Depression and Anxiety. I haven't done it yet, but I hope to do it soon.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

I'm preaching this Friday's Good Friday service. The theme is What's good about Good Friday? If Jesus suffered a torturous death that could've been avoided after a mockery of a trial, then what's good about Good Friday? If Jesus said from the cross "My God, My God why have you forsaken me?" then what's good about Good Friday. If Jesus said from the cross "I am thirsty" then what's good about Good Friday.

About Me

I serve as lead pastor of Covenant Community Church located in Asheville, NC. I am surrounded by a talented staff who make leading fun and exciting.
I'm married to a woman who has the most natural and genuine interest in people's lives of anyone I've ever known.
I get to father two beautiful daughters who make me laugh almost everyday.
In the little bit of me time I have I enjoy playing video games (especially Dota 2), watching movies, cheering on the Panthers (even when they were 1-16), playing tennis, basketball and eating at Chic-fil-a (seriously, I think its my favorite restaurant).